October 24, 2012

How to help my Neck Pain and Headache from work?

Yahoo Question:
At my work, I'm looking down (to clean things) pretty much all 8 hours, and it's now causing some pretty bad pains in my neck. It's also brought up a headache which I've had for almost a week now.

I've had my boyfriend massage the top of my neck where it hurts the most, but it hardly makes a difference. I take Ibuprofen and other pain relievers, but that hasn't helped any. My pillows are the kind that sink right through when you lay on them, so I bought a firm pillow, which made my neck feel worse. Any ideas? :(

Work related neck pain can be the worst kind of pain. It affects you everyday,and sometimes there is little that you can do to change your role at work, whether you are at the computer all day or cleaning houses for a living. You have to keep working, so it can be a pain in the neck !

The firm pillow that you have switched to may not be right for you. For most people, a pillow that is too firm does not work out. Simply, it is too uncomfortable. There is little give to the pillow, and you won't be able to get into a position that allows for restful deep sleep.

I would still recommend some type of an orthopedic pillow such as the arc4life linear gravity pillow. This neck pillow has two neck rolls, that allow your neck to be in the right position for sleeping (one softer side, one firmer side). The composition of this neck pillow is polyester fiber fill, and the pillow is not overly dense. There is "give" to the pillow, allowing you to sleep comfortably on your side or on your back. This will not only help your neck pain, but also your headaches.

Also, when you get home, use a heating pad on your neck and upper back for 10-15 minutes. Do gentle neck stretches as well before starting work. Also, if possible make the work that you do more ergonomic. Wear a lower back support for any type of heavy lifting, or watch your neck posture when you are bending down.

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I have a memory foam mattress and love it. I don't think its very hot, but then again my house is really cold even in the hot summers. The first night I didn't really like it but now I really, really love it. I have had it for about a year. One thing you might not know is that when they are advertised, it may say something like temperature controlled. Ect. That just means that the spot you have been laying in gets really soft and comfy. The rest of the mattress will feet a lot harder and harder to the touch. Hope that helped and made sense!!!

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